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shanisansolo

Entryway Makeover

3 years ago

Just moved and looking to decorate my entryway. I have a large sideboard (I'd like to keep it there) and then a small table that is too short. I don't want the space to feel too crowded but feel like something is needed. I want t hang a mirror, maybe a bench? Some hooks? Open to ideas and specific links to things! Thanks in advance!



Comments (19)

  • 3 years ago

    It looks like there's a closet door behind the entry door? If so, then skip the hooks or other clutter.


    I have to say that the sideboard looks like it's really crowding the corner -- you already have to step in and close the entry door before opening the closet, and now you have to work around the corner of that piece too. Can it slide to the left at least a little? I don't think I'd want anything there larger than a bench, but if it needs to go there, at least be sure it's not causing a functional problem.


    As for the other side, yes, I'd say something taller, and probably a bit slim and light-feeling, to help with the visual crowding. It's hard to make real suggestions, since you've given us no guidance as to your style or what else is visible from there, but maybe something along these lines...


    Gina Console Table, Natural Walnut · More Info



    Dauphine Traditional French Accent Console Table, 1-Drawer · More Info

    Then the mirror (or some art) and just a little decor, or a lamp for evening arrivals, etc.


    The Esplanade in Lakewood Ranch · More Info


    Entrance · More Info


  • 3 years ago

    You want to keep the sideboard there because............??

    It is too large for that space and it is crowded.

  • 3 years ago

    Thank you both. Not a lot of storage spaces so I need the sideboard. There isn't room for it to slide down so if I got rid of it, I'd have to get a new storage piece.

    I've included a layout of the overall space.



  • 3 years ago

    I think you should try rotating the smaller piece 90 degrees and placing it against the wall (where the mirror is currently on the floor). That way, the front door doesn't feel so crowded.


    If you want to get something else to put there, perhaps choose something other than black, as the black makes the pieces feel bulkier (imho)....plus you have the black sideboard and that needs to stay. Or perhaps, scuff up the surface of the smaller piece and you can spray paint it a cheerier color. And then hang a mirror above it, which would be nice to have by the front door.


    Shani thanked Mrs. S
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Don't know your style but you can't go wrong with decorative mirror or artwork on the wall over the sideboard and a table lamp or two. I found area rugs for some of these. No specific links, I just Googled entry decor for images. OOPS... I took a while to post and didn't see your floor plan....that makes a diffference. But the concepts still work.

















    Oops this needs a lamp.





    An L shaped storage bench. Place a painting above the bench at eye level facing the door as you enter. Coordinate the pillow. I dislike hooks, don't they always feel junky? plus you have a closet right there.


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Now that I see the floorplan, why can't the sideboard go on the large wall facing the door? Does it block the hall? Otherwise it's fine to squeeze by it on that wall where it is. You might need a triangle bench instead of an L in that case.



  • 3 years ago

    Yea I think it would be a tight squeeze through the hall. There's also an office door along the hall wall. I love the triangle bench idea!


    Do you think a mirror is better over the sideboard or the wall with the front door?


    I don't NEED something in the other corner, just felt like it seemed too empty with nothing.


    Thanks again everyone!

  • 3 years ago

    Can you caddy-corner the sideboard in the corner where the shorter cabinet is located.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    A mirror over the sideboard or the wall with the front door on it, so it's not what you see until you enter. The sideboard would be better...you can see it from the living room and would add depth and dimension from a distance.

    Put a pretty illustration or a pair of paintings / photos above the bench facing the door so that is what you see first thing. These are eye-catching!

    Have you thought about paint or wallpaper?

    I just edited this post.

  • 3 years ago

    Can you go without with small one? I get needing extra storage, I use a dresser as tv stand for storage. I'd try going without the small one for a bit, maybe you can stack art pieces on that wall or a mirror.

  • 3 years ago

    The front door and closet door are very basic. Rather than accent them in the white trim color, I would paint them the same color as the walls so they are less prominent. This would give a nice backdrop for the buffet and decor. I agree with AiFL about living with a slightly crowded entry over the benefit of having that beautiful piece and the added storage.

  • 3 years ago

    I like your sideboard where it is. I agree with rotating your smaller cabinet 90 degrees. I think a standing coat rack would look good tucked into the corner between the smaller cabinet and the corner. The mirror could go above the sideboard along with some other art to fill the space if the mirror is too small.


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Before deciding to put a mirror over the sideboard, search for art that you find delightful and welcomes you home. Your entry is a wonderful opportunity to express your personality.


    "Macdaddy" Painting Print on Canvas by Tori Campisi · More Info


  • 3 years ago

    The sideboard is too large for that wall and the cubby piece is too short. What is the shelf around the corner from the cubby piece? It looks to be a more suitable size.

  • 3 years ago

    I think we keep forgetting that the sideboard is aligned with the living room doorway, and is in a perfect spot to work as a focal point as viewed from the living room into the foyer. And actually it fits perfectly, yes a lttle tight but it still fits. Decorate it to be seen from the living room....so do something dramatic, right?

    I like the idea of tall bookshelves in there. Fill them with coffee table books, decor, storage baskets, plants, etc. Hang a painting or two on the front.

  • 3 years ago

    Thanks @tracefloyd! Not sure if this impacts your thoughts, the archway opens to the dining room and then moves on to the living room but really like what people suggested! Where were you suggesting tall bookshelves go?

  • 3 years ago

    In either order, dining room/ living room, the arch forms a stage and the sideboard is the star on stage. Play that up. Have you thought about upgrading the sideboard? Spray paint the knobs in your color and paper the panels, stuff like that.


    I thought if you need the storage then bookshelves are a great solution. Hadn't thought about where. You could put bookshelves in the other room instead.


    What are you doing to the wall directly opposite the door? There's no photo.


  • 3 years ago




    Hi all! I got this piece (would get a longer cord and a box for the wifi) but don't think it fits the space well. Thoughts on what could work better here?